Falling is a major danger for Parkinson’s disease patients, but a moderate exercise program can help prevent them, a new study shows.

 

For the study, 231 people with Parkinson’s disease in Australia participated in a minimally supervised exercise program three times a week for six months. The program, which consisted of 40 to 60 minutes of balance and leg strengthening exercises, was monitored by a physical therapist.

 

The exercise program reduced falls by 70 percent in patients with moderate Parkinson’s disease. The program, however, did not cut the rate of falls in those with advanced Parkinson's. All participants reported better overall mood and quality of life.

 

Falling is a common problem for Parkinson’s patients. Not only does it result in injuries, but the fear of falling often limits patients' activities.

“These results suggest that minimally supervised exercise programs aimed at reducing falls in people with Parkinson’s should be started early in the disease process,” said study author Colleen G. Canning, which was published online in Neurology.